Printing and Packaging Export Advisor

**Printing and Packaging Export Advisor**

***Primary Duties and Responsibilities**:
**Assignment Purpose**

The Export Advisor - Printing & Packaging, under the supervision of R1 Lead, will participate in the identification, planning, and execution of TRADE’s key interventions that develop the export capacities of New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs) in the printing and packaging sector. This includes helping NEEREs adopt trade-oriented business models to compete successfully in international markets.

**Tasks**
- Coordinating and contributing to the planning, implementing, monitoring of TRADE interventions for the development of export capacities of SMEs in the printing & packaging, in all technical assistance areas supported by TRADE (e.g., ecommerce, certifications, matchmaking, trade missions, finance and investment advisory, etc.).
- Helping in SME selection, SME action plan development, SME action plan implementation support, and linking SMEs to export facilitators.
- Helping Egyptian SMEs effectively reach out to targeted international buyers and retailers, assisting with follow-up negotiations and deals, and working to confirm export orders.
- Helping Egyptian SMEs adapt to and meet market demand from international buyers, including through environmental sustainability measures (e.g., biodegradable packaging, recycled paper, etc.).
- Directly connecting supported SMEs with buyers through in-person and virtual buyer missions and other business-to-business (B2B) interactions.
- Developing implementation plans and partnership agreements with relevant stakeholders and counterparts, including stakeholders and counterparts that have a large role in improving export earnings, such as export councils, federation of Egyptian industries, banks, professional, business, and trade associations.
- Working with Anchor firms to develop their packaging suppliers for international markets.
- Identifying and pursuing Private Sector Engagement (PSE) opportunities, including leveraging private sector material and financial resources for activities, and mobilizing private sector investment to improve the export competitiveness of the printing and packaging sector.
- Coordinating effectively with the R2 team in support of TSIs, especially the Export Council on Printing and Packaging; R3 team in support of policies that affect the sector (e.g., biodegradability); and the cross-cutting team, including for Monitoring Evaluation and Learning, communication, training and events, and finance/HR/operations.
- Provide technical support to all participating NEERES in the seven selected sectors in adapting appealing packaging and printing materials based on international market demand.
- Conducting any other tasks as may be delegated by supervisor.

**Qualifications**:

- College education with equivalent of B.A. or B.S. in related field with 15+ years of related experience OR Advanced degree with 7+ years of related experience.
- Prior printing & packaging export experience as export director / manager with superior track record.
- Demonstrated capabilities in analyzing market needs, identifying constraints, and designing interventions to address root causes.
- Experience marketing SMEs’ products to international buyers and integrating SMEs into buyers’ value chains.
- Experience brokering partnerships with development agencies and the private sector.
- Robust understanding of the Egyptian economy and the role SMEs play in Egypt.
- Deep understanding of key international buyers in the sector, their export requirements, and how, where, and when to access them on behalf of SMEs.
- Understanding of the issues facing underserved populations in Egypt, particularly women, youth, and communities outside of Greater Cairo and Alexandria (preferred).
- Broad network of leading international buyers strongly preferred.
- Experience working in underserved areas throughout Egypt preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff and partners in a cross-cultural environment.
- Proficiency in both oral and written communication in both English and Arabic

**Project Overview and Role**:
USAID’s Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) project builds on decades of U.S. investments in Egyptian businesses and economic policy with the aim of substantially increasing Egyptian exports from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The TRADE project focuses on six selected sectors: engineering products, food processing, home têxtiles, ready-made garments, chemicals, and building materials. Through the project, USAID works with the Government of Egypt to improve the trade and investment policy environment and reduce barriers to trade. USAID also partners with business associations and export councils to strengthen the trade services ecosystem for small
- and medium-sized exporters, as well as with private companies to help them access new international markets to increase export sales. TRADE tackles many trade an